From Oprah to "opaa!" this neighborhood is hot. In a fast-evolving mix of tradition and cutting-edge modern, ethnic meets eclectic and culture meets commerce. 
Along with the vibrant restaurants in Greektown, the trendy restaurants and nightlife around Randolph and Fulton Market Streets, and the famous Harpo Production Studios, visitors are attracted to a growing number of art galleries and specialty stores.
At the north end of the West Loop, concentrated around Fulton, Lake, Randolph and Washington Streets, shoppers can find an eclectic selection of locally-owned businesses.
For connoisseurs of contemporary art and photographs, you'll want to discover the growing presence of local galleries including FLATFILEgalleries, Packer Schopf Gallery and the Rhona Hoffman Gallery.
Located under the el, Koros Art & Style is a worth-the-trip destination for fashionable designer clothing from hard-to-find European labels and Bess & Loie is a one-stop boutique for must-have handbags, jewelry and accessories.
The Chicago Chocolate Company, a café and chocolate store, offers late hours for the after-dinner crowd seeking a sweet treat. Other favorite specialty stores include Northwestern Cutlery, where local chefs go to purchase or sharpen their cutlery, and Mission Bay Multisport, which offers swim and cycling training gear for the dedicated athlete.
Three locally owned wine merchants include Randolph Wine Cellars, Bennett & Bennett Special Wines, and Just Grapes, across the street from Ogilvie Transportation Center, with a unique self-serve wine-tasting machine that lets customers sample wines before they buy.
Located in Ogilvie Station on Madison Street, shoppers can get a quick treat at Garrett Popcorn, bring home a box of chocolates from Ethel's Chocolate Lounge or Long Grove Confectionary, or shop for women's shoes and accessories at Shooz on Madison.
The West Loop is home to the Chicago Antique Market, and the Chicago Indie Designer Market, where vendors show off their wares on West Randolph Street the last Sunday of each month from May – October.
Although the area still retains an industrial, "wholesale market" feel, the steady influx of new residents is giving West Loop the lived-in look of a neighborhood.
2006-2007
Store openings: Audio Consultants, Bess & Loie, Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge, Mudd Flowers & Events, Ouest Boutique, Primitive Art Works, Staples
Store closings: Kuhlman
What you’ll find here:
Accessories: Bess & Loie, Shooz on Madison
Art & Antiques: Douglas Dawson Gallery, FLATFILEgalleries, Packer Schopf Gallery, Primitive Art Works, Rhona Hoffman Gallery
Clothing & Accessories: Carson Pirie Scott, Koros Art & Style, Londo Mondo, Ouest Boutique
Groceries, Specialty Foods, Wine & Spirits: Athens Grocery, Bennett & Bennett, Chicago Chocolate Company, Dominick’s, Ethel's Chocolate Lounge, Garrett Popcorn, Gourmet 47 Café, Just Grapes, Long Grove Confectionary, Presidential Market, Randolph Wine Cellars
Home Furnishings & Improvement: Audio Consultants, JC Licht (Benjamin Moore)
Specialty Stores:Calphalon Culinary Center, Helix Camera, Mission Bay Multisport, Mudd Flowers & Events, Northwestern Cutlery, Staples,Waldenbooks
Neighborhood Association: www.westloop.org
Nearby Shopping Destinations: Gold Coast, The Loop, Magnificent Mile, Oak Street, River North, South Loop/U of I Campus, Streeterville
For more information, visit Chicago Traveler to see a Greektown Neighborhood Guide.
Photos courtesy of FLATFILEgalleries, Just Grapes and Koros Art & Style.
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - E. Engquist.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping. Publ. 10/06.
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